As reported by Open Access Government, the government is funding community pharmacies to expand services and recover from years of underfunding
The UK Government has announced significant funding to help community pharmacies expand services and improve patient care. The full-year funding package is the first agreed upon by the sector since 2023, marking the government’s initial steps in introducing its Plan for Change.
Following a six-week consultation with Community Pharmacy England, the Department of Health and Social Care has agreed to a £617 million funding package over two years.
Additionally, the government is writing off £193 million of debt for community pharmacy owners to give them confidence entering the new financial year in April.
The funding is the first step in addressing the years of underfunding and lack of support for the sector, leading to many community pharmacies facing financial strain.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Community pharmacists are at the heart of local healthcare, and we want them to play a bigger role as we shift care out of hospitals and into the community through our Plan for Change.
We’re working to turn around a decade of underfunding and neglect that has left the sector on the brink of collapse.
This package of record investment and reform is a vital first step to getting community pharmacies back on their feet and fit for the future.”
The monumental funding agreement for community pharmacies is the first to be agreed by Community Pharmacy England since 2023, after previous offers were rejected.
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